Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
79%RT Audience Score: 74%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 3 Oscars
17 wins & 69 nominations total
The main characters are maturing, and the filmmakers are likewise improving on their craft; vibrant special effects and assured performances add up to what is the most complex yet of the Harry Potter films
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a magical adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With stunning special effects and a thrilling storyline, this movie is a must-see for fans of the series. While some critics may find fault with the pacing or the length, the film delivers where it counts – in the heart-pumping action and the emotional stakes. Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or a casual moviegoer, you won’t want to miss this epic installment in the beloved franchise. So grab your wand and get ready for a wild ride!
Production Company(ies)
Hecht-Lancaster Productions, Steven Productions,
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for some scary moments and mild language
Year of Release
2005
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS-ES Dolby Digital EX 12-Track Digital Sound IMAX 6-Track
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 37m
-
Language(s):English, Latin
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 18, 2005 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 7, 2006
Genre(s)
Fantasy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
Worldwide gross: $1,017,713,119
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,715,140,162
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 27
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 187,038,186
US/Canada gross: $318,886,962
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $537,416,513
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 59
US/Canada opening weekend: $90,294,621
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $152,172,482
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 30
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $125,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $210,661,056
Production budget ranking: 93
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $113,440,979
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,391,038,127
ROI to date (est.): 429%
ROI ranking: 307
Annette Bening – Carolyn Burnham
Thora Birch – Jane Burnham
Wes Bentley – Ricky Fitts
Mena Suvari – Angela Hayes
Peter Gallagher – Buddy Kane
Director(s)
Mike Newell
Writer(s)
Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling
Producer(s)
David Heyman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 3 Oscars
17 wins & 69 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (256) | Top Critics (64) | Fresh (225) | Rotten (31)
Where Newell really scores is in taking a leaf out of Peter Jackson’s book and cranking up the fear factor.
December 8, 2014 | Rating: 4/5
Sukhdev Sandhu
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
For those like me who are outside but sympathetic to the faith, it looks like another handsomely made, good-natured and high-spirited family movie, which is dramatically stymied through being locked within school grounds.
December 8, 2014 | Rating: 3/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
For the first time, adults might actually enjoy a Harry Potter film as much as children.
December 8, 2014
Victoria Segal
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
Goblet is really just a glorified, 157-minute teaser trailer, an empty epic of proportions that truly stagger.
December 8, 2014 | Rating: 1.5/5
Jim Schembri
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
In its last third, The Goblet of Fire builds to a climax of such overpowering dread that you might just forget the rest. Harry grows up in an instant, and the film does, too.
December 8, 2014
Amy Biancolli
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Kloves has streamlined J. K. Rowling’s 700-plus-page opus into cinematic fighting form. And the special effects, which threatened to overwhelm the first two movies, are seamlessly integrated.
December 8, 2014
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
…a woefully uneven installment that feels, for the most part, as though it should be a good hour shorter…
December 13, 2021 | Rating: 2.5/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
It’s increasingly evident that seven books and as many as eight theatrical adaptations fuel the need for too much filler subplots or nonessential side characters.
September 29, 2020 | Rating: 6/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
More precious than a Golden Snitch in a game of Quidditch, this is one of the Must See films of the year.
November 13, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens
Good film directed for a teenage audience in which not only is magic taught but also how stereotypes affect it while the film itself recreates some British stereotypes. [Review in Spanish]
July 11, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Guillem Martinez Oya
Cinematismo
For the first time, the stakes of this battle of good and evil become painfully evident.
June 5, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
Mattie Lucas
The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)
It feels rushed and there are definitely the most plotholes in this entry in the series. Still, when it does work it really works.
April 4, 2019 | Rating: B-
Rachel Wagner
rachelsreviews.net…
Plot
This is the tale of Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), an ordinary eleven-year-old boy serving as a sort of slave for his aunt and uncle who learns that he is actually a wizard and has been invited to attend the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is snatched away from his mundane existence by Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), the groundskeeper for Hogwarts, and quickly thrown into a world completely foreign to both him and the viewer. Famous for an incident that happened at his birth, Harry makes friends easily at his new school. He soon finds, however, that the wizarding world is far more dangerous for him than he would have imagined, and he quickly learns that not all wizards are ones to be trusted.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
NA
Mike-Newell.jpg
79%
The Yes Men (2004)
79%RT Audience Score: 67%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 2 nominations
Shining a spotlight on activists as unorthodox as they are entertaining, The Yes Men proves advocating for social change can be seriously funny
The Yes Men is a hilarious and inspiring documentary that follows a group of activists who use their wit and humor to expose the absurdity of those in power. While some critics may find it clumsy or lacking in structure, the film’s subversive message and clever pranks make it a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the powerful held accountable. Plus, who doesn’t love a good prank? The Yes Men prove that sometimes laughter really is the best medicine, even in the face of injustice.
Production Company(ies)
Dreamworks Pictures, Kemp Company, Splendid Pictures,
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Plattsburgh, New York, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language
Year of Release
2005
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 20m
-
Language(s):English, French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 24, 2004 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 16, 2014
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, The Yes Men, Mike Bonanno, Andy Bichlbaum, parody group, World Trade Organization, activism, social change, satire, Dan Ollman, Sarah Price, Chris Smith, directed by, Sarah Price, Chris Smith, written by, R rating, English, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, box office, gross USA, $199.0K, critic reviews, reviewed by, Joshua Rothkopf, Sukhdev Sandhu, Roger Moore, Michael Moore, Laura Nix, Marco Deseriis, Wago Kreider, produced by, MPAA rating, Gunner Palace, Little Chenier, Storytelling, Sikandar, Laura Nix, Marco Deseriis, Wago Kreider, Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel, The Onion, Phil Hendry, capitalism, Third World, Michael Moore, witty, insightful, informative, entertaining, frat-style, publicity seeking, amateurish, pacing issues, filler
Worldwide gross: $394,154
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $600,684
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,697
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 65,505
US/Canada gross: $255,364
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $389,170
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,392
US/Canada opening weekend: $24,373
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $37,144
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,298
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Mike Bonanno – Self
Michael Moore – Self
Laura Nix – Self
Marco Deseriis – Self
Wago Kreider – Self
Dan Ollman – Director
Sarah Price – Producer
Chris Smith – Producer
Director(s)
Dan Ollman, Sarah Price, Chris Smith
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Sarah Price, Chris Smith
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 2 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (84) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (71) | Rotten (13)
Hilariously, The Yes Men follows a subversive group of well-organized activists posing as guest speakers…
March 16, 2020
Joshua Rothkopf
In These Times
TOP CRITIC
Its willingness to mock not just the men in power suits but the journos and news organisations who swallow their FTSE gibberish is salutary indeed.
April 1, 2019
Sukhdev Sandhu
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
A clumsy movie.
December 3, 2004 | Rating: 2/5
Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
Inspiring and shows just how far a couple of guys, a few computers, and a good sense of humor can go.
October 19, 2004 | Rating: 3/5
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
The Yes Men’s political performance art is very funny and much care obviously goes into it.
October 19, 2004 | Rating: 3/4
Terry Lawson
Detroit Free Press
TOP CRITIC
The Yes Men has its moments, but they’re too few and far between to make us drop our Palm Pilots and dissolve into continuous laughter.
October 15, 2004 | Rating: C+
Robert Denerstein
Denver Rocky Mountain News
TOP CRITIC
…the filmmakers don’t have a solid plan for bringing the Yes Men’s story to the big screen…
December 14, 2013 | Rating: 2/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
As activists, the Yes Men are about as effective as an article in the satirical weekly, The Onion, or any episode of Phil Hendry’s radio show
August 17, 2010 | Rating: 2.5/4
Jay Antani
Cinema Writer
Uproarious subversive documentary that targets the World Trade Organization.
October 21, 2009 | Rating: A-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
Mark Halverson
Sacramento News & Review
As an activist art project, it works, but not as a film
April 14, 2006 | Rating: 2.5/4
Marty Mapes
Movie Habit
Chris Smith is the next great documentarian for mainstream American audiences to discover, and he richly merits a wide release.
May 15, 2005
Martin Scribbs
Low IQ Canadian…
Plot
A comedic documentary which follows The Yes Men, a small group of prankster activists, as they gain world-wide notoriety for impersonating the World Trade Organization on television and at business conferences around the world. The film begins when two members of The Yes Men, Andy and Mike, set up a website that mimics the World Trade Organization’s
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy or funny or odd comments were found in the Fresh Kernels database for The Yes Men.
Dan-Ollman.jpg
79%
Springtime in a Small Town (Xiao cheng zhi chun) (2002)
79%RT Audience Score: 66%
Awards & Nominations: 4 wins & 3 nominations
Springtime in a Small Town” is a film that exudes elegance and sophistication, with its serene cinematography and superb design. Tian’s version is a respectful homage to the original, yet it stands on its own as a new work of art. The film draws on the classic language of earlier cinema, making it as vibrant as a live play in its impact. Tian’s direction is smooth and effortless, providing a hint of unease with his constantly gliding camera and his penchant for viewing the action from behind grated windows and other obstacles. The film’s leisurely flow and restraints on its lovers may test the patience of some, but for those who can go with it, it can be a spellbinding film experience. Overall, “Springtime in a Small Town” is a refreshing and pleasurably different film that showcases the decency of its three touchingly human characters.
Springtime in a Small Town” is like a breath of fresh air in the world of remakes. Tian’s version is a beautiful homage to the original, but with its own unique spin. The cinematography and design are absolutely stunning, making the film feel almost like a live play. The characters are so well-crafted that they feel like real people, and the story is told with a gentle tempo that is refreshingly different. Sure, there are some critics who didn’t love it, but hey, you can’t please everyone. Overall, I highly recommend giving this film a watch. It’s a classic love story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Production Company(ies)
Bavaria Film Twin Bros., Productions, Radiant Film GmbH,
Distributor
Palm Pictures
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Wu Zhen, Zhejiang, China
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for some thematic elements
Year of Release
2003
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 56m
-
Language(s):Mandarin
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 9, 2002 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 14, 2004
Genre(s)
Drama/Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Hu Jingfan, Wu Jun, Xin Baiqing, Ye Xiaokeng, Lu Sisi, directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang, written by Mu Fei, Tianji Li, Cheng Ah, drama, romance, PG, box office gross $42.3K, reviewed by Alexander Walker, Derek Adams, G Allen Johnson, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Manohla Dargis, Lisa Rose, Alberto Abuín, directed by Zhuangzhuang Tian, produced by William Kong, Xiaowan Li, Yatming Tang, Palm Pictures, Chinese language, 1940s China, landowner, loveless marriage, ex-lover, doctor, passion, tension, visually sumptuous, well-acted, measured pace, small-town, ruins, health, boisterous teen sister, customs, repression, leisurely flow, subtle, understanding, craftsmanship, theatre-like, serene cinematography, superb design, gentle tempo, avoidance of the obvious, stubborn insistence on the decency of its three touchingly human characters, spellbinding, bad TVB melodrama, artificial, theatrical setup, awkward, clumsy mess, painfully aware, unnatural dialogue, caricaturish, exaggerated, subtle love triangle, taste of Chinese culture, post-war, pre-Revolution, austere scenery, passable acting, slow-paced, rich character development, Chinese classic, remake, visually stunning
Worldwide gross: $57,751
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $93,607
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,032
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 10,208
US/Canada gross: $43,017
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $69,725
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,714
US/Canada opening weekend: $7,506
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $12,166
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,665
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Wu Jun – Dai Liyan
Xin Baiqing – Zhang Zhichen
Ye Xiaokeng – Lao Huang
Lu Sisi – Dai Xiu
Zhuangzhuang Tian – Director
Director(s)
Zhuangzhuang Tian
Writer(s)
Mu Fei, Tianji Li, Cheng Ah
Producer(s)
William Kong, Xiaowan Li, Yatming Tang
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
4 wins & 3 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (44) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (6)
Tian’s new version is an assiduously respectful homage, yet a new work of art in its own right.
January 9, 2018
Alexander Walker
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
The result is paradoxically more theatrical than the original — but thanks to serene cinematography and superb design, sumptuously so.
June 24, 2006
Derek Adams
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Only a director who truly knows repression could have made a movie so subtle and so understanding.
December 3, 2004 | Rating: 3/4
G. Allen Johnson
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Reinventing his source just as boldly as he has reinvented his artistic identity, Tian circumvents the usual mentality of remakes by making his material brand-new.
July 10, 2004 | Rating: 3/4
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
This isn’t a radical film by any means, but in its gentle tempo, its avoidance of the obvious and stubborn insistence on the decency of its three touchingly human characters, ‘Springtime in a Small Town’ weighs in as refreshingly, pleasurably different.
May 27, 2004 | Rating: 4/5
Manohla Dargis
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
A film made with intelligence and craftsmanship.
May 19, 2004
Lisa Rose
Newark Star-Ledger
TOP CRITIC
A bad movie, which at times tests the patience of the audience. [Full Review in Spanish]
February 13, 2020
Alberto Abuín
Espinof
As vibrant as a live play in its impact, with its characters almost as tangible, this film draws on not just the words and emotions of the original material, but the classic language of earlier cinema.
October 18, 2008
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile
If you can go with the film’s leisurely flow and accept the restraints it holds its lovers in check with, it can be a spellbinding film experience.
June 22, 2005 | Rating: B+
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
Tian guides his story with great smoothness, providing a hint of unease with his constantly gliding camera and his penchant for viewing the action from behind grated windows and other obstacles.
January 15, 2005 | Rating: 4/4
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid
Crafted in a style that seems to be learned from films of the thirties and, for all its scope, might have been adapted from a stage play.
November 23, 2004 | Rating: 2/5
Jules Brenner
Cinema Signals
Even potentially crushing situations are diffused by the respect each character has for one another.
November 4, 2004 | Rating: 3.5/4
Gabe Leibowitz
Film and Felt…
Plot
In 1940s China, a small-town landowner’s sad existence is disrupted when his ex-lover and childhood friend arrives to treat his ailing health, bringing passion and tension into his loveless marriage.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Springtime in a Small Town.
Zhuangzhuang-Tian.jpg
79%
Primer (2004)
79%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Primer is a film that requires a certain level of intelligence and attention from its viewers, but for those who are up for the challenge, it offers a unique and mind-bending experience. The film’s complex plot and multiple timelines may be confusing at times, but they ultimately serve to create a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of time travel. While some may find the film obstructive or off-putting, those who are willing to engage with its ideas will be rewarded with a thrilling and intellectually stimulating ride. And who knows, maybe watching it with your teenagers will lead to a fascinating discussion about the nature of time and morality.
Primer is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, but with time travel. It’s a mind-bending thriller that will leave you scratching your head and questioning everything you thought you knew about time. Sure, it’s confusing and the storytelling can be obstructive, but that’s part of the fun. It’s a unique and intellectually stimulating film that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Just don’t be surprised if you need to watch it a few times to fully understand it.
Production Company(ies)
DUST, Netflix, Psychological
Distributor
ThinkFilm
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
PG-13
Year of Release
2004
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 18m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 16, 2004 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2005
Genre(s)
Drama/Sci-fi
Keyword(s)
starring Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, Casey Gooden, Anand Upadhyaya, Carrie Crawford, Ashley Warren, directed by Shane Carruth, written by Shane Carruth, drama, sci-fi, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Scott Tobias, Andrew Pulver, Peter Bradshaw, Michael Booth, J.R Jones, Jessica Winter, Anton Bitel, Mike Massie, Debbie Lynn Elias, Paul Dale, PJ Nabarro, PG-13 rating, time travel, engineering, mathematics, intellectual, error-checking technology, time machine, cerebral challenge, dense, stimulating, obtuse, dark consequences, morality, multiple timelines, low budget, indie filmmaking, Christopher Nolan, David Lynch, James Cameron, exposition, personal approach, unforgettable, thriller, simple concept, interesting story, small cast, well-executed
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $11,726
Production budget ranking: 2,136
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $6,314
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
David Sullivan – Abe
Casey Gooden – Robert
Anand Upadhyaya – Phillip
Carrie Crawford – Kara
Ashley Warren – Hostess
Director: Shane Carruth
Producer: Shane Carruth
Writer: Shane Carruth
Director(s)
Shane Carruth
Writer(s)
Shane Carruth
Producer(s)
Shane Carruth
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (131) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (95) | Rotten (36)
Primer gains its seductive power by leaving the solution tantalizingly out of reach.
June 16, 2017
Scott Tobias
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
Primer is off-putting: in trying to be elusive it’s simply obstructive.
June 16, 2017 | Rating: 2/5
Andrew Pulver
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
An exhilarating, disturbing and funny experience.
June 16, 2017
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Mind-bending thrillers like Primer are terrific viewing with your teenagers. Maybe if you’re nice, they’ll explain the ending to you.
February 8, 2008
Michael Booth
Denver Post
TOP CRITIC
Scary, puzzling, and different.
June 4, 2007
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
This film imagines its viewers to be smart, possessed of a decent attention span and game for a challenge. It doesn’t happen all that often.
February 9, 2006
Jessica Winter
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Time travel may provide the paradoxical mechanics of the plot, but no matter where the film goes, it never stops being a study in moral character, as two friends become victims of their own timeless, tragic flaws.
July 22, 2021
Anton Bitel
Projected Figures
The storytelling is so confusing and the multiple timelines are so numerous that sorting out what exactly unfolds saps all the entertainment value.
November 9, 2020 | Rating: 5/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Certainly there are many flaws with this project, most from a technical standpoint and obviously due to the budget, but despite those shortcomings, Primer still stands out as the most intellectually stimulating film of the year.
November 14, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens
Carruth’s downbeat and unique debut feature is something of an anomaly in the low budget U.S. indie filmmaking scene: Played out like a deadpan, almost naturalistic political thriller…
April 26, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Paul Dale
The List
Primer’s notion of time-travel creating multiple identities and an uncontrollable mise en abyme reminded me mostly of Christopher Nolan’s masterly and underrated The Prestige.
February 4, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
A pretty nifty picture with just found objects and a timelessly intriguing idea.
June 16, 2017
Dennis King
Tulsa World…
Plot
Two engineers accidentally invent what they believe to be a time machine and become obsessed with its capabilities, leading to dark consequences in the sci-fi drama Primer.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t have anything goofy or funny or odd to say about the film Primer.
Shane-Carruth.jpg
79%
Tupac: Resurrection (2003)
79%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
7 nominations total
Paramount’s Tupac: Resurrection is a riveting and insightful documentary that delves into the life of the late rapper, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his impact on the community. The film’s winning conceit of using Tupac’s voice as the primary source of narration adds a unique and personal touch to the storytelling. While some critics may write it off as a cheap publicity stunt, the film’s heartfelt honesty and willingness to showcase Tupac’s vulnerabilities and flaws make it a must-see for fans and newcomers alike. Tupac may be gone, but his legacy lives on through this powerful and revealing documentary.
Tupac: Resurrection is a documentary that will make you feel like you’re sitting down with the late rapper himself. It’s a fascinating look into the life of Tupac Shakur, from his early days to his rise to fame and tragic death. The film is a mix of interviews, archival footage, and Tupac’s own words, which are used to tell his story in his own voice. It’s a must-watch for any fan of Tupac or hip-hop in general. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the man behind the music and the impact he had on the world. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Production Company(ies)
New Line Cinema, Zupnik Cinema Group II GGR
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong language and images of drugs, violence and sex
Year of Release
2003
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 40m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 14, 2003 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2004
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
Tupac, Resurrection, documentary, 1h 40m, Lauren Lazin, directed by Lauren Lazin, written by Lauren Lazin, Preston L Holmes, Karolyn Ali, produced by Lauren Lazin, Preston L Holmes, Karolyn Ali, starring Tupac Shakur, Afeni Shakur, Van Toffler, reviewed by Ed Gonzalez, Nell Minow, Nick Schager, Neil Smith, Peter Debruge, Richard Roeper, Micheal Compton, Dan Jardine, Cole Smithey, Mark Halverson, Kam Williams, R rating, box office gross, $7.7M, Dolby SR, DTS, Surround, Scope (2.35:1), rapper, Black Panther, performing arts high school, Baltimore, legal problems, arrests, violence against women, meteoric rise to fame, murder, interviews, photographs, home movies, politicized atmosphere, activism, community involvement, poet, social satirist, gangster rap, talent, insight, society, politics
Worldwide gross: $7,808,524
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $12,656,616
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,891
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,380,220
US/Canada gross: $7,718,961
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $12,511,446
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,551
US/Canada opening weekend: $4,632,847
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $7,509,251
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,032
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $300,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $486,262
Production budget ranking: 2,115
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $261,852
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $11,908,503
ROI to date (est.): 1,592%
ROI ranking: 65
Lauren Lazin – Producer
Preston L. Holmes – Producer
Karolyn Ali – Producer
Afeni Shakur – Executive Producer
Van Toffler – Executive Producer
Director(s)
Lauren Lazin
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Lauren Lazin, Preston L. Holmes, Karolyn Ali
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
7 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (90) | Top Critics (41) | Fresh (70) | Rotten (20)
It’d be easy to write off Paramount’s Tupac: Resurrection as a cheap publicity stunt.
May 24, 2014 | Rating: 3/4
Ed Gonzalez
Slant Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Gripping documentary, see it with your teens.
December 29, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
A dishearteningly incomplete portrait.
May 4, 2005 | Rating: C
Nick Schager
Lessons of Darkness
TOP CRITIC
June 22, 2004 | Rating: 3/5
Neil Smith
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
A revelation.
November 18, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/4
Peter Debruge
Premiere Magazine
TOP CRITIC
It’s amazing stuff.
November 17, 2003
Richard Roeper
Ebert & Roeper
TOP CRITIC
An eerie eulogy from the deceased. Still, the film never feels like a gimmick. Instead, there is a heartfelt honesty that accentuates how tragic Shakur’s murder was.
November 15, 2019
Micheal Compton
Bowling Green Daily News
Tupac’s evolution as an artist showed us a young man who was an activist, involved in the community, who showed signs of becoming a more self-aware and self-critical artist, as his music moved from the political to the personal.
September 12, 2012 | Rating: 77/100
Dan Jardine
Cinemania
The winning conceit of producer/director Lauren Lazin’s flamboyant documentary about the life of Tupac Shakur is that the late rapper’s voice is the primary source the audience hears.
May 15, 2009 | Rating: B
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
Mark Halverson
Sacramento News & Review
Whether he’s dead or alive, this film reveals Tupac to be a scared, skinny kid with a gun, and a vulnerable human being who could easily be pierced by bullets, just like the rest of us.
May 25, 2007 | Rating: 4/4
Kam Williams
Baltimore Afro-American
The film would have been strengthened if it had been a little more willing to challenge Tupac’s behaviour.
August 24, 2004 | Rating: 77/100
Dan Jardine
Apollo Guide…
Plot
Home movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop M.Cs. of all time.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rapper Tupac Shakur narrates the entire film through a series of interviews, making it a unique and engaging documentary.
Lauren-Lazin.jpg
79%
Merci pour le chocolat (2000)
79%RT Audience Score: 67%
Awards & Nominations: 5 wins & 4 nominations
Boasting a masterful performance by Huppert, Merci Pour Le Chocolat is a suspenseful psychological thriller
Nightcap is a thrilling movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Isabelle Huppert’s performance as the queen of a Chocolate Empire is simply mesmerizing. The movie is a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and a touch of humor. You’ll find yourself rooting for Huppert’s character, even though she’s not exactly a saint. The plot is well-crafted, and the pacing is just right. Nightcap is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good thriller.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
First Run
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Bulle, Canton de Fribourg, Switzerland
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2000
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.66 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 39m
-
Language(s):French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 2000 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 22, 2003
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
Nightcap, Isabelle Huppert, Jacques Dutronc, Mystery, Thriller, French, Claude Chabrol, Marin Karmitz, Charlotte Armstrong, Caroline Eliacheff, Box Office, Gross USA, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Psychological thriller, Suspenseful, Psychological, Bittersweet, Lausanne, Switzerland, Chocolate company, Piano, Dark mystery, Restraint, Rigor, Insinuation, Implication, Tension, Noir villain, Money, Murder, Happiness, Family, Genetics, Roman Polanski, Wedding, Concert pianist, Chocolate factory owner, Genetics, Suspenseful note
Worldwide gross: $7,972,251
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $13,827,198
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,855
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,507,873
US/Canada gross: $443,238
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $768,759
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,241
US/Canada opening weekend: $14,868
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $25,787
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,426
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jacques Dutronc – André Polonski
Anna Mouglalis – Jeanne Pollet
Rodolphe Pauly – Guillaume Polonski
Brigitte Catillon – Louise Pollet
Michel Robin – Dufreigne
Director – Claude Chabrol
Producer – Marin Karmitz
Writers – Charlotte Armstrong, Claude Chabrol, Caroline Eliacheff
Director(s)
Claude Chabrol
Writer(s)
Charlotte Armstrong, Claude Chabrol, Caroline Eliacheff
Producer(s)
Marin Karmitz
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
5 wins & 4 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (55) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (46) | Rotten (9)
The film is all insinuation and implication.
May 5, 2022
Budd Wilkins
Slant Magazine
TOP CRITIC
We can rejoice that he carries on, breathes his profession as his native air, makes pictures of varying quality but persistently makes them.
March 5, 2013
Stanley Kauffmann
The New Republic
TOP CRITIC
A tasty appetizer that leaves you wanting more.
November 29, 2002 | Rating: C+
Philip Wuntch
Dallas Morning News
TOP CRITIC
An elegant, exquisitely modulated psychological thriller.
November 8, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
It’s enough to watch Huppert scheming, with her small, intelligent eyes as steady as any noir villain, and to enjoy the perfectly pitched web of tension that Chabrol spins.
October 18, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Moira MacDonald
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
Merci Pour le Chocolat has a restraint and rigor that we don’t see in commercial American films, the kind that a director creates when he has no interest in sentimentality or in soliciting the audience’s favor.
October 18, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Edward Guthmann
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
A moody and meandering melodrama.
May 16, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
Nightcap is an intriguing old-fashioned thriller starring the incomparable Isabelle Huppert as an icy queen of a Chocolate Empire, who learns the hard way that neither money nor murder can buy you happiness.
November 3, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
Nicholas Bell
IONCINEMA.com
One of the most commanding of screen actresses, Isabelle Huppert, deploys three subtle looks: ready to kill someone; has just killed someone; slight confusion when anyone wonders about her inherent correctness.
September 16, 2020
A.S. Hamrah
The Baffler
Predictable? Maybe, but for artists like these the motivation is always more important than the act itself.
May 5, 2010
Kelly Vance
East Bay Express
July 3, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
The ensemble cast all sparkled.
August 13, 2003 | Rating: B-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews…
Plot
In Nightcap, a seemingly perfect couple living in Switzerland is hiding dark secrets that are slowly revealed through a suspenseful and psychological mystery.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels praises Isabelle Huppert’s “masterful performance” in Nightcap, calling it a “suspenseful psychological thriller.”
Claude-Chabrol.jpg
79%
Alias Betty (Betty Fisher and Other Stories)(Betty Fisher et autres histoires) (2002)
79%RT Audience Score: 63%
Awards & Nominations: 4 wins & 3 nominations
Betty Fisher and Other Stories is a film that delicately balances the themes of motherhood, obsession, and trauma with the intensity of an urban thriller. The film’s structure is akin to a collage, with intersecting stories that come together in a satisfying and thought-provoking way. The tension is expertly crafted, with director Claude Miller opting for a quiet and understated approach that only adds to the film’s power. It’s a captivating story that explores the darker aspects of human nature, and does so with heart and intelligence. Like a fine wine, Betty Fisher and Other Stories is a film that only gets better with age.
Betty Fisher and Other Stories is a movie that explores the complex relationships between mothers and their children, but with a twist of child abuse and sexual obsession. Despite the heavy themes, the movie manages to be a captivating story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The style and cast are expertly chosen, and the tension is plucked from quiet moments. It’s like a Tarantino movie with heart, and it’s definitely worth a watch.
Production Company(ies)
Paramount Pictures, The Steve Tisch Company, Wendy Finerman Productions,
Distributor
Wellspring Cinema
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Quebec, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 42m
-
Language(s):French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 13, 2002 Original
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Sandrine Kiberlain, Nicole Garcia, Mathilde Seigner, Luck Mervil, Édouard Baer, Stéphane Freiss, directed by Claude Miller, written by Claude Miller, Ruth Rendell, Comedy, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, $206.4K box office, Wellspring Cinema distributor, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, DTS, Dolby SR sound mix, Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio, Yves Marmion, Annie Miller producers, MPAA rating, reviewed by Ed Siegel, Marjorie Baumgarten, Matt Weitz, Michael Wilmington, Moira MacDonald, Jonathan Curiel, Emanuel Levy, Greg Muskewitz, Enrique Buchichio, Dennis Schwartz, Christopher Null, Sean P Means, Betty Fisher and Other Stories, grieving, depression, child kidnapping, motherhood, loss, anger, greed, jealousy, sickness, love
Worldwide gross: $676,239
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,121,585
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,576
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 122,310
US/Canada gross: $208,400
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $345,644
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,424
US/Canada opening weekend: $23,929
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $39,688
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,274
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): FRF 50,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Nicole Garcia – Margot Fisher
Mathilde Seigner – Carole
Luck Mervil – François Diembele
Édouard Baer – Alex Basato
Stéphane Freiss – Edouard
Director(s)
Claude Miller
Writer(s)
Claude Miller, Ruth Rendell
Producer(s)
Yves Marmion, Annie Miller
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
4 wins & 3 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (51) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (47) | Rotten (4)
A pleasant enough valentine to Rendell’s The Tree of Hands, if a story that deals with child abuse and sexual obsession could be described in those terms.
March 14, 2003 | Rating: 2.5/4
Ed Siegel
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
Either a fascinating study of the relationship between mothers and their children or a disturbing story about sociopaths and their marks.
December 29, 2002 | Rating: 3/5
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Understated, elegant meditation on motherhood, obligation and coincidence, all wrapped up in the form of an urban thriller.
December 13, 2002 | Rating: B
Matt Weitz
Dallas Morning News
TOP CRITIC
The story pulls us in almost immediately — and the style and cast keep us hooked.
December 13, 2002 | Rating: 3.5/4
Michael Wilmington
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
Miller tells this very compelling tale with little fuss or noise, expertly plucking tension from quiet.
November 29, 2002 | Rating: 3.5/4
Moira MacDonald
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
A provocative movie about loss, anger, greed, jealousy, sickness and love.
November 8, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Jonathan Curiel
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
July 4, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
April 12, 2004 | Rating: 4/5
Greg Muskewitz
eFilmCritic.com
Mezcla de serie negra “a la francesa” con estudio srdido sobre la maternidad, Betty Fisher posee la estructura cinematogrfica que debe tener una pelcula que entrecruza historias como si fueran piezas de un collage que, al final, se juntan.
September 13, 2003
Enrique Buchichio
Uruguay Total
A captivating story.
April 4, 2003 | Rating: B-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
March 25, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com
Like a Tarantino movie with heart, Alias Betty is richly detailed, deftly executed and utterly absorbing.
February 14, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/4
Sean P. Means
Salt Lake Tribune…
Plot
Novelist Betty Fisher enters a dark depression after her young son Joseph dies. Hoping to bring her out of it, her mother Margot arranges to kidnap a boy named Jose to replace the son Betty lost. Although she knows that it’s wrong, Betty accepts Jose as her new son. Meanwhile, Jose’s mother Carole is searching for her son with help from her boyfriend Francois
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast includes Sandrine Kiberlain, Nicole Garcia, Mathilde Seigner, Luck Mervil, Édouard Baer, and Stéphane Freiss.
Claude-Miller.jpg
79%
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
79%RT Audience Score: 73%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
20 wins & 29 nominations total
Though it sometimes feels like a television sitcom, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is good-hearted, lovable, and delightfully eccentric, with a sharp script and lead performance from Nia Vardalos
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the perfect movie to watch with your family, especially if you’re Greek. It’s got everything you need: romance, comedy, and a dad who thinks Windex is the cure for everything. Plus, it’s a great way to learn some new Greek words, like “opa!” and “koukla.” So grab some baklava and get ready to laugh!
Production Company(ies)
Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions,
Distributor
IFC Films
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Ryerson Polytechnic University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for sensuality and language
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby SR
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 35m
-
Language(s):English, Greek
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 19, 2002 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 11, 2003
Genre(s)
Comedy/Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Joey Fatone, directed by Joel Zwick, written by Nia Vardalos, comedy, romance, box office success, budget, reviewed by Joshua Rothkopf, Nell Minow, Steven D Greydanus, Anna Smith, Peter Bradshaw, Jamie Russell, Rob Nelson, Felix Vasquez Jr., Joe Lozito, Betsy Bozdech, Ryan Cracknell, Jim Shelby, PG rating, Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson as producers, Greek culture, family, marriage, love, relationships, ethnic comedy, Mediterranean heritage, Dancing Zorba’s restaurant, travel agency, vegetarian, foreigner, Windex, Greek stereotypes, sharp script, lead performance, good-hearted, lovable, delightfully eccentric, Toula Portokalos, Ian Miller, Gus Portokalos, Maria Portokalos, Aunt Voula, Angelo
Worldwide gross: $368,744,044
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $611,585,073
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 217
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 66,694,119
US/Canada gross: $241,438,208
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $400,440,377
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 117
US/Canada opening weekend: $597,362
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $990,762
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,281
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $8,292,813
Production budget ranking: 1,739
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,465,680
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $598,826,581
ROI to date (est.): 4,694%
ROI ranking: 20
John Corbett – Ian Miller
Michael Constantine – Gus Portokalos
Lainie Kazan – Maria Portokalos
Andrea Martin – Aunt Voula
Joey Fatone – Angelo
Director(s)
Joel Zwick
Writer(s)
Nia Vardalos
Producer(s)
Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
20 wins & 29 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (129) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (98) | Rotten (31)
Second City alum Nia Vardalos stars in this ethnic comedy, which she also wrote — an ambitious way to break into a leading role; too bad the results are insubstantial.
April 4, 2012
Joshua Rothkopf
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Perfect sleepover movie for tweens (and moms!).
December 26, 2010 | Rating: 5/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
Endearing eccentricities, such as Toula’s father’s improvisational Greek etymologies of words like “kimono” and his reliance on Windex for a range of external-use medicinal purposes, help humanize the characters.
June 27, 2003 | Rating: B+
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films
TOP CRITIC
This is the kind of romantic comedy you wish you saw more often.
December 23, 2002 | Rating: 3/5
Anna Smith
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
It’s enjoyable, with a cracking performance from Michael Constantine as Toula’s father Gus.
October 2, 2002 | Rating: 3/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
This will have all non-Greeks in the audience wishing they could lay claim to some Mediterranean heritage.
September 10, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
Jamie Russell
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
It’s greek to me.
August 21, 2009
Rob Nelson
City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul
It offers the illusion of originality by bombarding audiences with Greek stereotypes, but really clings to the formulaic romance comedy.
April 29, 2009
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
Ms. Vardalos’ has loaded her charmingly fluffy script with cute idiosyncrasies in place of actual characters.
July 14, 2007 | Rating: 2.5/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound
My Big Fat Greek Wedding never tries to be more than a fun, funny romantic comedy about an ugly (or perhaps “dowdy” is a better word) duckling who blossoms and finds her swan.
September 1, 2006 | Rating: 3/4
Betsy Bozdech
DVDJournal.com
It’s funny, it’s familiar and you can see a lot of the situations transferring over to your own life.
June 10, 2003 | Rating: 70/100
Ryan Cracknell
Apollo Guide
May 20, 2003 | Rating: 3/4
Jim Shelby
Palo Alto Weekly…
Plot
Toula Portokalos is 30, Greek, and works in her family’s restaurant, Dancing Zorba’s, in Chicago. All her father Gus wants is for her to get married to a nice Greek boy. But Toula is looking for more in life. Her mother convinces Gus to let her take some computer classes at college (making him think it’s his idea). With those classes under her belt, she then takes over her aunt’s travel agency (again making her father think it’s his idea). She meets Ian Miller, a high school English teacher, WASP, and dreamboat she had made a fool of herself over at the restaurant; they date secretly for a while before her family finds out. Her father is livid over her dating a non-Greek. He has to learn to accept Ian; Ian has to learn to accept Toula’s huge family, and Toula has to learn to accept herself.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy or funny comments were found in the Fresh Kernels database for My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Joel-Zwick.jpg
79%
Monster’s Ball (2002)
79%RT Audience Score: 67%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
15 wins & 23 nominations total
Somber and thought provoking, Monster’s Ball has great performances all around
If you’re looking for a movie that will make you feel all the feels, Monster’s Ball is the one for you. Sure, it’s brutal and heavy-handed at times, but the performances from Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry are top-notch. And let’s not forget that intense, moving, and real moment that happens when Leticia and Hank seek punishment and absolution in sex. It’s not a movie for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for it, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, you’ll finally understand why everyone was talking about Halle Berry’s Oscar win for years to come.
Production Company(ies)
Compagnie Industrielle et Commerciale Cinématographique Films,
Distributor
Lionsgate Films
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Laplace, Louisiana, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 51m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 26, 2001 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 11, 2002
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Halle Berry, Billy Bob Thornton, Heath Ledger, Peter Boyle, Diddy, Yasiin Bey, directed by Marc Forster, written by Milo Addica, Will Rokos, drama, R rating, box office performance, $31.3M gross USA, Lionsgate Films, reviewed by Karl Quinn, Nell Minow, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Caroline Westbrook, Jeff Strickler, Mark Caro, Mark Halverson, Joe Lozito, Emanuel Levy, Jeffrey Overstreet, Susan Tavernetti
Worldwide gross: $45,011,434
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $74,654,280
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,161
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 8,141,143
US/Canada gross: $31,273,922
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $51,869,757
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,052
US/Canada opening weekend: $110,552
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $183,357
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,697
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $4,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $6,634,250
Production budget ranking: 1,815
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $3,572,544
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $64,447,486
ROI to date (est.): 631%
ROI ranking: 201
Billy Bob Thornton – Hank Grotowski
Heath Ledger – Sonny Grotowski
Peter Boyle – Buck Grotowski
Diddy – Lawrence Musgrove
Yasiin Bey – Ryrus Cooper
Director – Marc Forster
Producer – Lee Daniels
Writers – Milo Addica, Will Rokos
Director(s)
Marc Forster
Writer(s)
Milo Addica, Will Rokos
Producer(s)
Lee Daniels
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
15 wins & 23 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees, Oscar Winners
All Critics (142) | Top Critics (48) | Fresh (121) | Rotten (21)
Leticia and Hank come together in their grief, and when they do – when, in particular, they seek some kind of punishment and absolution in sex – it makes for one of the most intense, moving and real moments you’re ever likely to witness on film.
November 12, 2018 | Rating: 3/5
Karl Quinn
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
This brutal movie is for adults only.
December 26, 2010 | Rating: 3/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
October 15, 2009 | Rating: 2/4
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Forster’s poised direction, as well as powerful turns from Billy Bob Thornton and the Oscar-winning Halle Berry, make this compelling viewing.
March 2, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Caroline Westbrook
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
It’s not a polemic on the death penalty, race relations or family dynamics. It’s a character study that really sticks with you.
November 6, 2002 | Rating: 3.5/4
Jeff Strickler
Minneapolis Star Tribune
TOP CRITIC
A serious movie made by seriously talented people, and I never quite came ’round to it.
July 20, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4
Mark Caro
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
Mark Halverson
Sacramento News & Review
July 14, 2007 | Rating: 4/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound
Though marred by script that telegraphs its messages, this drama still manages to tell a compelling love story betweenn a redneck guard and a black widow, well played by Billy Bob Thronton and particularly Halle Berre, who should get Oscar nomination
December 25, 2006 | Rating: B
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Forster makes us too intimate with these characters. But, heavy-handed and derivative as it is, its lead actors strike some resonant chords….
December 6, 2004 | Rating: B
Jeffrey Overstreet
Looking Closer
May 20, 2003 | Rating: 1.5/4
Susan Tavernetti
Palo Alto Weekly
Thornton and Berry show us what acting is in this movie.
February 8, 2003 | Rating: 4.5/5
John R. McEwen
Film Quips Online…
Plot
Set in the Southern United States, ‘Monster’s Ball’ is a tale of a racist white man, Hank, who falls in love with a black woman named Leticia. Ironically Hank is a prison guard working on Death Row who executed Leticia’s husband. Hank and Leticia’s interracial affair leads to confusion and new ideas for the two unlikely lovers.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Monster’s Ball.
Marc-Forster.jpg
79%
The Others (2001)
79%RT Audience Score: 77%
Awards & Nominations: 29 wins & 55 nominations total
The Others is a masterful work of suspense and horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat. From the top-notch performances to the haunting production design, every aspect of this film is expertly crafted. Kidman delivers a pitch-perfect performance that is both chilling and captivating. Director Alejandro Amenabar skillfully weaves together a narrative that is both supernatural and psychological, leaving the audience guessing until the very end. While some may find the intensity of the film too much to handle, for those who can handle it, The Others is a ghostly delight that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The Others is a spine-tingling thriller that will make you want to sleep with the lights on. With a stellar cast led by Nicole Kidman, this movie is a haunting masterpiece that will leave you guessing until the very end. And if you were scared of ghosts as a kid, well, you might want to skip this one. But for everyone else, get ready for a wild ride full of suspense, twists, and turns. Just don’t forget to check under your bed before you go to sleep.
Production Company(ies)
Production company
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Palacio de los Hornillos, Las Fraguas, Iguña, Cantabria, Spain
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and frightening moments
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States, France, Italy, Spain
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 10, 2001 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 14, 2002
Genre(s)
Horror
Keyword(s)
starring Nicole Kidman, Christopher Eccleston, Alakina Mann, James Bentley, Fionnula Flanagan, Elaine Cassidy, directed by Alejandro Amenábar, written by Alejandro Amenábar, produced by Fernando Bovaira, José Luis Cuerda, Sunmin Park, horror, PG-13, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Chris Stuckmann, Dennis Harvey, Tom Charity, Peter Bradshaw, Caroline Westbrook, Nell Minow, Kristy Strouse, Fico Cangiano, Sergio Benítez, Debbie Lynn Elias, PJ Nabarro, Matthew Turner, supernatural, thriller, ghosts, World War II, photosensitivity disease, servants, spooky, atmospheric, cinematography, score, ethereal quality, mystery, mind-blowing ending
Worldwide gross: $209,947,037
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $353,821,316
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 432
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 38,584,658
US/Canada gross: $96,522,687
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $162,668,569
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 473
US/Canada opening weekend: $14,089,952
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $23,745,633
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 568
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $17,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $28,649,904
Production budget ranking: 1,175
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $15,427,973
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $309,743,439
ROI to date (est.): 703%
ROI ranking: 177
Christopher Eccleston – Charles
Alakina Mann – Anne
James Bentley – Nicholas
Fionnula Flanagan – Mrs. Millis
Elaine Cassidy – Lydia
Self – Alejandro Amenábar (Director/Writer)
Fernando Bovaira – Producer
José Luis Cuerda – Producer
Sunmin Park – Producer
Director(s)
Alejandro Amenábar
Writer(s)
Alejandro Amenábar
Producer(s)
Fernando Bovaira, José Luis Cuerda, Sunmin Park
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
29 wins & 55 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (165) | Top Critics (46) | Fresh (138) | Rotten (27)
The performances, writing, production design, cinematography, music, directing — it’s all top-notch. Everything about this movie really works.
October 23, 2020 | Rating: A+
Chris Stuckmann
ChrisStuckmann.com
TOP CRITIC
The show belongs to Kidman, and snugly tailored as it is, she’s surpassingly fine.
October 30, 2018
Dennis Harvey
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Shrewdly cast, Kidman is pitch perfect. It’s a clammy, ingenious film, one of the best studio movies of the year.
October 30, 2018
Tom Charity
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
It is well constructed, as opposed to incompetently deconstructed.
October 30, 2018
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
In a way, The Others finishes what The Blair Witch Project started — once again reminding us that unseen forces often make for the scariest, most memorable cinematic experiences. It’s certainly true if this is anything to go by.
October 29, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Caroline Westbrook
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Good but creepy; may be too intense for some.
December 28, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
The Others is a haunting story done right, both in the supernatural and the psychological sense. Kidman’s face, often frozen in terror, says it all. A ghostly delight.
October 14, 2021
Kristy Strouse
Wonderfully Weird and Horrifying
Alejandro Amenabar delivers a top-notch suspense piece that will leave you uneasy for some time. [Full review in Spanish]
August 21, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Fico Cangiano
CineXpress Podcast
With two superb qualities, the two hours in which we witness the director’s narrative skills contain innumerable examples of how printing fear. [Full Review in Spanish]
April 15, 2020
Sergio Benítez
Espinof
The Others is only adequate as a spectral, psychological thriller and pales in comparison to its predecessors of the 1940’s. Amenabar is no Hitchcock and Kidman is neither Grace Kelly or Ingrid Bergman.
November 7, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens
Beyond the evident technical proficiency on show, the film is still reduced to its primary narrative parlour-game of trying to guess the ghostly twist.
February 1, 2019 | Rating: 2/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
If you were scared of the dark as a child, then this movie has your name on it.
October 30, 2018 | Rating: 3/5
Matthew Turner
ViewLondon…
Plot
A woman named Grace retires with her two children to a mansion on Jersey, towards the end of the Second World War, where she’s waiting for her husband to come back from battle. The children have a disease which means they cannot be touched by direct sunlight without being hurt in some way. They will live alone there with oppressive, strange and almost religious rules, until she needs to hire a group of servants for them. Their arrival will accidentally begin to break the rules with unexpected consequences.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film on Fresh Kernels.
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